School of Education and Social sciences

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AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE: ANALYSIS OF VISUAL RESOURCES AND IMPROVISED TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED BUKUSU CIRCUMCISION SONGS
(Karatina University, 2023-11) JUMA, WABWILE BENSON
The study is an analysis of visual resources and improvised techniques in the actualization of the Bukusu circumcision songs. The study examines the roles, social cultural values and dynamisms of visual resources and improvised techniques in actualizing Bukusu circumcision songs. Visual resources and improvised techniques in the Bukusu circumcision songs are likely to vanish due to social and cultural chamges. The purpose of this study was to determine the specifics impact of these valuable components in Bukusu circumcision songs. The study's objectives examined the role of improvised techniques and visual resources in actualizing Bukusu circumcision songs, analyze the social-cultural values attached to them and evaluate their dynamic nature. There are scanty and generally analysed literary studies on Bukusu oral literature; this study intends to fill the gap by focusing on visual resources and improvised techniques integral to the Bukusu circumcision songs. The research was conducted among the Bukusu sub-community of Luhya community in Kimilili- Sub County, Bungoma County with a sample size of 220 respondents. The study employed Performance Theory because it was a performance-cantered approach and more adequate for analysing visual resources and improvised techniques employed in Bukusu circumcision songs more effectively. The study relied on mixed methods research designs. The primary and secondary sources were exploited in data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences then subjected to the rating scale. Regarding study objective number one, the study found that visual resources and improvised techniques played a role actualising Bukusu circumcision songs. The study's second objective found that social-cultural values are attached to visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs. In analysing the dynamism of visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs, this study found that that education and theme change in BCS impacted visual resources and improvised techniques. The researcher demonstrated that visual resources and improvised techniques components exhibited during the actualization of Bukusu circumcision songs are integral parts of Bukusu circumcision songs, without which the songs are deemed incomplete. This work will be critical to scholars in various institutions where subjects including music, dance, and creative sculptures are fields of interest to societies. Based on the objective of study, the researcher recommends that the roles of visual resources and improvised techniques in Bukusu circumcision songs cannot be ignored; there is a need for the government of Kenya and other cultural stakeholders to appreciate these components and initiate programs that promotes traditional circumcision songs as a source of tourist attraction activities in Kenya.
ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ‘JITEGEMEA’ PHILOSOPHY ON THE SELF-RELIANCE, PROPAGATION AND GOVERNANCE OF PCEA IN NYERI AND KIRINYAGA COUNTIES, KENYA (1971-2021)
(Karatina University, 2023) KARIITHI, ALICE MURUGI
The call for moratorium on foreign missionaries and subsequent adoption of ‘Jitegemea’ (self-sustaining) philosophy in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) provoked a strong debate about the future of the church and her ability to develop without external support. However, limited research has examined the effectiveness of the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy on the development of the church, fifty years later. This study assessed the effectiveness of Jitegemea philosophy on the attainment of the goals of PCEA in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties which form the Kirimara West Presbytery. The specific objectives were: to explore factors leading to the call for moratorium on foreign missionary activities in the PCEA; analyze the positive outcomes of adopting the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy on the spiritual, social and economic functions of PCEA; examine the challenges experienced by the PCEA since the moratorium; and assess the extent to which the PCEA in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties has achieved the goal of self-sustenance. Henry Venn’s theory of a self supporting, self-governing and self-propagating church guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and targeted 13,180 ordinary members, 418 elders and 13 Parish ministers. A sample size of 100 respondents from ordinary church members who were selected using Yamanne’s formula of 10% participated in the study. In addition, 20% of the 418 church elders were selected to give a sample of 84 elders. One parish minister from each of the 11 parishes was purposively selected for the study, giving a sample of 11 ministers. Data from the ordinary church members and elders was collected using questionnaires. An interview guide was used to collect data from the parish ministers. To test for validity and reliability of the data collection instruments, a pilot study was conducted in two parishes in the neighboring Murang’a County. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaires and a coefficient of 0.705 was achieved, indicating that the instruments were reliable. Ethical considerations of anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent were strictly adhered to. After collection, quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentages and frequencies. Data presentation was done in form of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic approach to enrich the quantitative results. The study found out that the call for moratorium on foreign mission activities was a strategy to allow the PCEA churches to be self-reliant and embrace total responsibility for the work of the church and its mission activities. Among the positive outcomes of adopting the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy were improved financial freedom, increased church membership and gender equality in service. However, inadequate resources slowed the achievement of the PCEA goal of self-reliance, self-governance and self-propagation despite the effort made. Despite the challenges members of the PCEA still believe that it is necessary for the church to be self-reliant in its activities. The study recommends regular training on how to carry out mission work and evangelization, proper planning of church projects to save on funds and formulation of policies to guide decision making in church governance. The study findings are expected to add on to the existing literature on the ‘Jitegemea’ philosophy and may provide valuable lessons to policy makers, church leaders, Christians and other stake holders on church development and project sustainability.
Assessment of Language Shift among the Youth in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2019-09) Kimani, Rosemary Wamaitha
Language shift among multilingual societies is an issue of global concern. Kenya, a multilingual society, is gradually losing her indigenous languages especially among the youth in towns and cities. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of language shift among the youth in Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to explore the domains in which the youth in Nairobi County use their ethnic languages; to establish the attitude the youth in Nairobi County have towards ethnic languages; to assess the influence of the gender variable on language shift among the youth in Nairobi County; and to determine the effect of ethnicity on language shift among the youth in Nairobi County. The study was based on the Domain Theory. The study employed the ex-post facto research design. The study targeted students and language teachers in public day secondary schools in Nairobi County. Simple random sampling was used to select the schools and the students to be studied. Ninety eight (98) students and seven language teachers participated in the study. Questionnaires were used as the tools of data collection. Descriptive statistics in form of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse findings. Chi-square tests were conducted to establish the relationships between gender, attitude and ethnicity and the use of mother tongue in social and formal domains. The study found that the youth use their mother tongue sparingly and in very limited contexts such as at home or when their parents visit their schools. Students had negative attitudes towards mother tongue as they did not find it very useful. The study found that there was a significant relationship (χ2=18.143, p<0.05) between gender and the language used by students in communication with friends of the same sex. The findings also show that there was a significant relationship (χ2 =13.144, p<0.005) between gender and the language used at school. However, there was no significant relationship between ethnicity and any of the indicators of language shift. The study concludes that although majority of youth are conversant with their mother tongue, the extent to which the youth use mother tongue in social and formal domains is very low. The findings of the study would inform linguists on the current trend of indigenous languages in Kenyan urban centres and cities. The findings would also inform both the policy makers and curriculum developers on the challenges threatening the survival of the indigenous languages.
An Assessment of the Influence of Disability Legislation Awareness on Employability of Persons with Disabilities in Post-Secondary Institutions in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
(karatina University, 2022-11) WAITHANWA, LUCY WAIRIMU
Gakaara wa Wanjau was referred to as the “Chief Mau Mau Propagandist” by the colonial government because of his revolutionary literary works. This made him to be one of the longest serving Mau Mau detainees from 1952-1959. Despite his activist works that culminated in his long detention, Gakaara wa Wanjau was neither rewarded nor recognised among the most honoured independence heroes by the post-colonial regimes. He was arrested and accused of involvement with Mwakenya (The Union of Patriots for the Liberation of Kenya) activities during president Moi’s era. The purpose of this study was to examine Gakaara wa Wanjau’s literary contribution to the politics of freedom struggle in both colonial and post-colonial Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: (i) trace Gakaara wa Wanjau’s socio-political experiences during the colonial period that influenced his political consciousness; (ii) examine the influence of his political writings to the Mau Mau nationalist movement and, (iii) finally explore Gakaara’s socio-political activities after detention that influenced his relationship with the post-colonial governments. The study was informed by the Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT) which argues that people take action for social change in order to gain their rights. The study adopted historical research design which employs document analysis and validated with oral interviews from respondents. The sample population comprised thirty informants who are reasonably enough in a biographical research. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select respondents drawn from Gakaara wa Wanjau’s acquaintances in the struggle for independence. The study used open-ended questionnaires research instrument to generate qualitative data. The study contributes towards enriching the Kenya’s Mau Mau historiography by demonstrating that there were other forms of effective struggle for independence, like literary activism whereby the barrel of the pen was used, apart from fighting in the forest.
Assessment of the Role of Socialisation Agents in Shaping Pupils’ Behavior in Primary Schools in Thika Sub-County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Mwangi, Esther Wanjiru
Causes of poor performance in mathematics in secondary schools: a case of Nyandarua north sub county, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2016-11) Wachira, Charles Ndiritu
A Cognitive Semantics Analysis of Selected Ekegusii Pop Songs
(Karatina University, 2019) Ondara, Ntabo Victor
Pop songs convey social messages in different perspectives. Studies on pop songs reveal that composers employ metaphors to express their subjective feelings. The meaning of the metaphors in Ekegusii pop songs need to be interpreted to understand the message of the composers.The purpose of the study was to undertake a cognitive semantics analysis of Ekegusii pop songs. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to identify the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs using the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit; to analyse the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory; and to determine the influence of the demographic variable of sex in the conceptualization of the metaphors in Ekegusii pop songs. The Conceptual Metaphor Theory was employed to map the metaphors in the Ekegusii pop songs into different corresponding conceptual mappings.The study employed the mixed methods research design. The target population was the Ekegusii speakers. An interview was conducted among the 36 participantsselected based on sex. The Ekegusii pop songs were purposively sampled using the criterion of richness in metaphoricity. The qualititative data were analysed thematically by classifying the identified metaphors into four conceptual domains using the principle of Great Chain of Being metaphor. Four annotators, including the researcher, collected 54 Metaphor Related Words basedon the criterion adapted from the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit. The identified metaphors were translated into English and presented in a table which containedthe metaphor value and the level of the metaphor in the principle of Great Chain of Being Metaphor. Three lexical units were marked as Discard From Metaphor Analysis. The study further classified the Metaphor Related Words as direct, indirect and possible personifications. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences in which Chi square at a significance level of 0.05 was employed to test the statistical relationship between sex and metaphoric conceptualization. The study found that sex significantly influences the conceptualization of the conceptual domains of: A HUMAN BEING IS A HUMAN BEING, A HUMAN BEING IS AN ANIMAL and A HUMAN BEING/EDUCATION IS AN OBJECT. However, Chi square test analysis showed insignificant association between sex and the conceptual domain ofA HUMAN BEING/EDUCATION IS A PLANT in the negative metaphor value.The research concludes that metaphor is a useful cognitive tool of conceptualizing human beings and the concept of education in Ekegusii pop songs. The study recommends that language researchers should employ the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit in metaphor studies.The findings of the study will benefit the audience of the Ekegusii pop songs, ethnographers and metaphor theorists to conceptualize Ekegusii pop songs and culture.
Developing a Knowledge Management Strategy for The Marist International University College, Nairobi - Kenya.
(University of South Africa, 2015-02) Anduvare, Everlyn Mmbone
Marist International University College, Nairobi – Kenya is challenged with problems like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject experts as others have not been identified. This research thus set out to address these problems. The aim of the study was to conduct a knowledge management assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC) in order to identify and recommend a suitable strategy for the institution. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methodology approach which encompassed a questionnaire and an interview schedule to collect data from 33 academic staff and 9 members of the MIUC management respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as the target population for the study as they play the key role in knowledge creation at MIUC. All 33 copies of the questionnaires that were distributed to the teaching staff were returned by respondents and all the 9 MIUC members of management were successfully interviewed. Data transformation analysis was applied during which qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires was descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study revealed a variety of informal knowledge management structures and resources at MIUC and the challenges of managing knowledge at Marist. The main challenge was that there was no uniformity and consistency in the management of knowledge. The study hence, formulated a KM strategy for MIUC that would help leverage its knowledge assets.
Effectiveness of Boards of Management in Public Primary Schools in Nyeri County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2020) Baaru, Catherine Mumbi
EFFECTS OF MIRAA FARMING ON RETENTION OF THE BOY-CHILD IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MBEERE SOUTH-SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2023-11) Nderi, Rachel Kirigo
The Government of Kenya, in its efforts to achieve vision 2030, aims at improving retention rates in secondary schools. This effort however is frustrated by increasing dropout rates particularly in public secondary schools, which is attributed to a number of factors among them cultural, environmental, school, based and socio economic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of miraa farming on the retention of the boy-child in public secondary schools particularly in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to establish the socio-economic factors, to evaluate the effects of socio-cultural factors and to assess the effects of family factors related to miraa farming affecting school retention of boy child in public secondary schools in Mbeere-South Sub-County. The study was guided by the Social Systems Theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The location of the study was specifically the miraa growing areas of Mbeere South Sub County. The study population included 56 principals, 140 class teachers, and 24 local administrators. The sample included 12 principals, 140 teachers and eight local administrators. Twelve schools from the miraa growing areas of Mbeere South Sub-Couny were purposively sampled for the study. Purposive sampling was also employed to select the 12 principals and eight local administrators while stratified random sampling was used to select 36 teachers from specific schools. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, means and standard deviations and was presented by use of frequency distribution tables. The study found that students drop out to seek employment in miraa farms/ businesses. Reasons for dropping out of school were cited as inability to raise school fees and other levies due to the United Kingdom ban of miraa exportation. Further, the study found that the society regards miraa farming/ business higher than school attendance. Finally, the findings of the study demonstrated that families in the area rely heavily on labor from their children to tend their miraa farms. Based on the findings of the study, the Ministry of Education may develop policies that may streamline the retention of the boy-child in public secondary schools.
Efficacy of Alternative Methods of Enforcing Learners’ Discipline in Primary Schools in Nyeri-Central Sub-County, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Ruirie, Kagoiya Patrick
Following the ban on corporal punishment in schools, various alternative methods enforcing learners discipline have been tried. This study sought to survey the efficacy of alternative methods of enforcing learners discipline in primary schools in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to examine factors contributing to indiscipline; to examine the alternative method of managing learners’ indiscipline; and, assess the effectiveness of the alternative methods of instilling discipline. Planned Behaviour Theory guided the study by exploring guidance and counseling, good classroom management, effective teaching methods and the children’s government electing their leaders as a guidance tool in learner management. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study consisted of 616 respondents comprising of 572 teachers, 43 head teachers and one Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (SCQASO) from Nyeri Central Sub County. Simple random sampling was employed to select 91 teachers from 13 schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 head teachers and one (SCQASO). The employed research instruments were the Head Teachers’ Questionnaire, Teachers’ Questionnaire and SCQASO’s Interview Guide. A pilot study tested the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Research supervisors input was sought to improve the content and construct validity of the instruments. Cronbach Alpha formula was used to test the reliability of the questionnaire and a coefficient of 0.76 was obtained confirming the instruments reliability. The data acquired from the questionnaire, was coded and analyzed qualitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19). Presentation of data was done by use of charts, tables, percentages and frequencies. Qualitative data from the interview schedule was presented in expository form. The study revealed that a huge number of the teachers (55%) used guidance and counseling in discipline enforcement in schools though 7.1% still used corporal punishment as a disciplinary procedure. The study also found out that absenteeism and lying were prevalent in many schools. The study recommended that parents should play a greater role in the management of learners’ discipline. It also recommended that teachers need to be trained and sensitized to embrace alternative methods of enforcing discipline. The findings of the study may benefit education policy makers and practitioners in developing and enforcing effective and acceptable disciplinary policies in schools.
EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF PASTORAL CARE PROGRAMMES ON GRIEF MANAGEMENT AMONG WIDOWS IN ACK DIOCESE OF EMBU, KENYA
(Karatina University, 2022-11) MBAABU, KELLYJOY KATHOMI
The death of a loved one is a painful experience that requires appropriate grief care. The loss of a husband for a widow is experienced as irreplaceable. It brings about an emotional constraint which could easily develop into depression. Therefore, a systemic understanding of the process of grieving is most important for pastoral care to grief management. The church esteems quality grief care especially with the increase in deaths. To deal with the above challenges the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Embu utilize pastoral care programmes for widows’ grief management. Widows in the ACK Diocese of Embu are registered at the diocesan office and meet quarterly every year for pastoral care programmes. However, the information on the effectiveness of these pastoral care programmes is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of the pastoral care programmes on grief management among widows in the ACK Diocese of Embu. The specific objectives were: to analyze the common challenges faced by widows in various stages of grief; to examine the effectiveness of pastoral Care programmes on grief management among widows in ACK Diocese of Embu and to evaluate the measures employed to make pastoral care programmes in ACK Diocese of Embu more responsive to the challenges faced by widows. Kubler-Ross’ theory on grief care for the bereaved guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and targeted 968 widows already in the pastoral care programmes, 7 Archdeacons heading the 7 Archdeaconries of ACK Diocese of Embu and 1 diocesan Bishop. Taking 10 percent of the targeted population as an acceptable sample size, systematic random sampling was used to select every 10th element hence a sample size of 97 respondents. The 7 Archdeacons and the 1 diocesan Bishop were purposively selected as key informants, giving a total of 8 representatives of the pastoral caregivers in the ACK Diocese of Embu. Data was collected from respondents using questionnaires. An Interview guide was used in data collection from the Diocesan Bishop. To test for reliability of the data collection instruments, a pilot study was conducted in two Archdeaconries of the neighbouring ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of questionnaires and a coefficient α=0.72 an indicator that the research instruments were reliable. Validity of the instruments was ensured through expert opinion. Ethical considerations of anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent were strictly adhered to. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Data presentation was done in Tables, graphs and pie charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic approach to enrich quantitative results. The study found out that existing pastoral care programmes insufficiently addressed the quality of life in its eschatological character. Again, the study found out that of the stages of grief, acceptance, bargaining, denial and anger affected 9%, 32%, 22% and 21% of the widows respectively. The study recommends that pastoral care programmes should address widows’ existential challenges and grief reactions as normal in reference to Christ’s suffering and the parting anxiety that is characterized by conveying God’s closeness and presence during a widow’s denial, anger, depression, guilt, bargaining, loneliness, acceptance and adaptation. The findings from this study will add on to existing knowledge on grief management and may be useful in improving the effectiveness of existing pastoral care programmes within ecclesia communities.
EXAMINING RESETTLED FARMERS’ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN UNFAMILIAR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF LAIKIPIA CENTRAL SUB COUNTY, KENYA
(KARATINA UNIVERSITY, 2024-09) WANJUKI, NJERU CAROLINE
Resettled farmers in Shalom settlement scheme originated from agro-ecological zone II in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu, Rift Valley region. Comparatively, these areas have better agricultural and livestock production potential than agro-ecological zones IV in Laikipia Central Sub-county where they are currently settled. Crops and livestock production has remained their main sources of livelihood therefore in their unfamiliar agro-ecological zone; they are compelled to practice different farming practices to sustain their production. There is scanty research on the range of adaptive strategies that these resettled farmers have adopted as the most effective in their current unfamiliar agro-ecological zone. The main purpose of the study was to examine the adaptation strategies by resettled farmers Laikipia Central Sub County. The specific objectives of the study were to compare agro-ecological conditions in zone II the farmers’ initial region with the new resettlement area, to identify the constraints faced by resettled farmers in adapting to unfamiliar agro-ecological zones’ conditions in Laikipia Central Sub County, to identify the adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers in unfamiliar agro-ecological zones’ conditions in Laikipia Central Sub County. The study employed Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction Model. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population for the study was 1525 household heads. A sample of 233 households was derived from 15% of the targeted population and 4 community leaders. Key informants were sampled through purposive sampling procedure and census survey was used for 4 community leaders. Data was collected from the household heads using questionnaires as well as through interviews with 4 community leaders. Quantitative data was analyzed using t-test and ANOVA in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26.0). The results showed significant differences in agro-ecological conditions between Shalom and Nakuru (t-test value = 0.441, p = 0.034) and between Shalom and Uasin Gishu (t-test value = 0.2511, p = 0.012). To mitigate these differences, most resettled farmers have adopted adaptation strategies like water harvesting and conservation, crop diversification and changing of the planting calendar which they consider as the most effective while migration is considered the least effective. Effective adaptation strategies, coupled with support from various stakeholders, are essential for enhancing agricultural resilience and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in the face of changing climatic and environmental conditions. Continued research and targeted interventions can further empower these communities to thrive amidst climatic and environmental uncertainties. Policymakers and stakeholders should alsoleverage these insights to design targeted interventions that address the specific needs of resettled communities, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the overall success of resettlement initiatives.
Factors Influencing Provision of Quality Education in Newly Established Secondary Schools in Mathira Constituency, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2018-10) Njagi, Maina Sammy
In the last ten years, there has been an establishment of new secondary schools across Kenya, rising out of increased demand for secondary education, government policy to enhance access of education and provision of resources through Constituency Development Funds. However, quality issues in these schools are a point of concern for educational researchers. In view of this, the purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing quality education provision in the newly established secondary schools in Mathira Constituency, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: To assess the status of learning resources in the newly established secondary schools, analyse the entry behaviour of students in the newly established secondary schools, assess teachers’ competency level in the newly established secondary schools and to evaluate the challenges facing newly established secondary schools in Mathira Constituency. The study employed Context, Input, Process Product (CIPP) theory as postulated by Stufflebeam and Coryn. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population comprised of 85 teachers and 10 principals. Simple random sampling method was used to select 70 teachers and then 10 principals were selected purposively for the study. The research instruments used open-ended questionnaires, interview schedules and observation guides. The instruments were tested for reliability and posted a correlation coefficient of 0.72 and 0.71 for principals and teachers questionnaires respectively. Data was coded, analysed and presented using descriptive statistics such as percentages. Qualitative data was thematically arranged and patterns established which are presented in form of statements. The finding of the study revealed that newly established schools lacked the necessary infrastructure for provision of quality education. The study also established that the majority of the newly established schools lacked adequate resources, were highly understaffed and admitted learners with low entry behaviour thereby compromising the provision of quality education. The study therefore concludes that the newly established schools have gaps that need to be filled if the quality agenda is to remain paramount. The study further recommends that there should be concerted efforts to elevate the profile of those schools through increased funding, provision of teachers and enhance teachers’ capacity which will ultimately raise the quality education provision in these schools.
Factors influencing the low enrolment in physics among secondary school students in Murang’a south district, Kenya
(2015-05-12) Kimani, Gilbert Ng’ang’a
Kenyan Secondary school students in form one and two are exposed to a broad curriculum that comprises of eleven or more examinable subjects. Towards the end of form two, the students are given an opportunity to reduce the number of these subjects to a minimum of seven. By so doing, they are given the opportunity to make their choices from a group of optional subjects, which include Physics. It has been observed that Physics has been faced with declining popularity amongst the students leading to low students’ enrolment both in Murang’a South District and also at the national level when compared with other optional subjects. In the year 2012 only 31% of the students registered for KCSE within the country had chosen Physics while in Murang’a South only 32.5 % had selected it. The main objective of this study was to investigate how the low enrolment in Physics is influenced by student related factors, subject teacher, parents and availability of physical resources in a given school. In carrying out the study, the researcher was guided by Atkinson’s achievement motivation theory. The study employed descriptive survey research design. It was carried out in 4 public secondary schools within the Murang’a South District. The respondents included 4 secondary school principals, 4 physics teachers and 64 students giving a total of 72 respondents. Sampling of the schools was done in a way that ensured representation of single gender schools and mixed schools. The students sample was drawn from the form threes and the form fours. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. To establish the validity of the research instrument, the researcher involved experts in research, mainly the supervisors and lecturers of Karatina University. Reliability of the research instrument was established through piloting. The data obtained was subjected to test retest technique, out of which the reliability coefficient was computed and found to be 0.82. The research instruments were then proved to be reliable. Data was then analyzed and interpreted. The results obtained indicated that student related factors such as peer pressure and attitudes contribute to low enrolment in Physics. The low enrolment was also found to have been influenced by the subject teacher. Findings from the study indicated that the parents and physical facilities have little or no influence in the low enrolment. The study therefore recommended that peer influence should be discouraged among the students while teachers’ workshops and seminars should be organized to educate them on how to uplift the enrolment in Physics. It was further recommended that the parents should be brought on board regarding subject choices.
Gender Relations and its Implication in Rural Development: A Case Study of Mwingi Central Division, Kenya.
(University of Nairobi, 2004-08) Mwenzwa, Ezekiel Mbitha
In every human society, gender relations are an integral part of everyday life. In Kenya, they are crucial in rural development particularly when it is observed from a human development perspective. Based on the foregoing, the study set out to explore the prevailing gender relations and their implication for rural development in Mwingi Central Division, Mwingi District, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to determine the effect of an individual’s decision-making capacity on personal access to community resources; to find out the nature of conjugal property ownership and its relationship to individual empowerment; and to investigate the interaction between gender-based division of labor and individual participation in development activities. Three theoretical frameworks guided the study.
Impact of teacher burnout in secondary schools In Mathira east district, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2014) Waithanji, Grace Wanjiru
Influence of Discipline Procedures on Students’academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(2020) Wamugunda, M. Wangari
INFLUENCE OF INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PRACTICES ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KIENI EAST AND WEST SUBCOUNTIES IN NYERI COUNTY
(Karatina University, 2022-11) KAGOCHI, EDNAH NJERI
Quality assurance in education is increasingly gaining latitude as evidenced in educational literature and current practices. Apart from ensuring compliance with learners’ requirements, educational policy makers are continually designing and producing tools and models that promote professionalism to check performance that promote quality in schools in a rationalized customer satisfaction manner. This systematic review of education has the ultimate goal of maintaining and improving quality and efficiency. This study evaluated the influences of internal quality assurance practices on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Kieni East and West Sub-Counties of Kenya. This study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the influence of examining teachers’ professional documents on students’ academic performance; to evaluate the influence of monitoring teaching and learning resources on students’ academic performance; to assess the influence of internal quality assurance feedback on students’ academic performance and to determine the influence of monitoring syllabus coverage on students’ academic performance. The study was guided by Principles of Scientific Management Theory advanced by Fredrick Taylor. The study had a target population of 1004 respondents comprising 56 principals, 944 teachers and four Sub County Quality Assurance Officers. Thirty percent of total population was considered which yielded a sample of 17 principals and 283 teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select four quality assurance officers and school principals while teachers were selected through stratified and simple random. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity of the research instruments was done by seeking expert review from university supervisors. The instruments were piloted for reliability in two secondary schools in neighboring Nyeri Central Sub-county using Test - Retest Method. Both sets of items were correlated using Crobanchs Alpha. A coefficient of ρ>.70 was found in all items and considered reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was subjected to content analysis where responses were categorized into common themes related to the objectives of the study. Results obtained showed M>2 in all items of the independent variables meaning that professional documents were rarely examined, instructional resources and syllabus coverage rarely monitored, and feedback rarely given. Relationship among variables described using Pearson correlation coefficients showed high statistical significance (2-tailed), in which all variables indicated significant correlation coefficient p< 0.05 implying a high correlation of quality assurance mechanism in school and its influence on learners’ performance. Qualitative data revealed gaps in quality assurance practices. The study is significant as it provides a theoretical and empirical contribution to the existing literature on internal quality assurance practices in schools’ context. It offers practical recommendations on enhanced responsiveness to continued quality provision for which policy makers and education stakeholders yearn for. The study recommends on building capacity of educational leaders through continuous training to make them more effective in carrying out the quality assurance practices.
Influence of single parenthood on adolescent children’s academic performance in Embakasi, Nairobi county, Kenya
(Karatina University, 2012) Okaka, Lucy Akelo